Dubai: Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Sabah has called on the international community to implement “an immediate ceasefire, provide international protection for innocent civilians, and ensure the opening of safe corridors for the delivery of urgent humanitarian aid.”
He was addressing the six-member Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit in Kuwait on Sunday.
On behalf of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice-President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, is leading the UAE delegation to the summit.
In his speech, Sheikh Meshal hit out at what he called “double standards in the application of relevant international laws, charters and resolutions” which he said had undermined “the region’s security and stability.”
“Civilians in Gaza must be protected and provided with aid,” he said.
“We reiterate our unwavering support to Palestine and to end the Israeli occupation, attain all their political rights, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with international resolutions,” he stressed.
“We also commend Qatar, Egypt, and the US for their mediation efforts in achieving a ceasefire in Gaza and welcome the ceasefire in Lebanon as a step toward de-escalation.”
The Emir echoed support for a two-state solution on the Palestinian issue, and reiterated “We support Saudi efforts to push for two-state solution.”
He said Kuwait was “optimistic” about a ceasefire agreed between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon that he said would contribute “to reducing escalation in the region.”
The summit in addition to discussing the war in Gaza, which entered its second year in October, will tackle developments in Lebanon, Syria and Yemen.
Gulf leaders will also discuss means of boosting economic integration among member states and expanding horizons of joint Gulf work.
Gulf leaders earlier arrived in Kuwait ahead of the 45th GCC summit, which aimed to underscore the importance of collective action among nations in the region.
UAE delegation
The UAE delegation to the summit included: Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs; Mohammed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs; Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure; Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology; Abdullah bin Sultan Al Nuaimi, Minister of Justice; Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Minister of Investment; Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment; Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar, Minister of State; along with several senior officials.
In a statement on the occasion of his participation in the summit, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed expressed his gratitude to Sheikh Meshal and the State of Kuwait for the warm welcome and excellent organisation of the summit, Emirates News Agency WAM reported. He also thanked the General Secretariat of the GCC for its efforts in organising the summit, wishing that the summit would result in decisions that support joint GCC action, serve the interests of the peoples of the member states and meet their aspirations. He also expressed his appreciation for the efforts exerted by Qatar during its presidency of the 44th GCC Summit.
UAE emphasises stability
Sheikh Mansour emphasised that strengthening joint Gulf cooperation is a key guarantee for achieving the interests of the GCC member states and their peoples’ aspirations for development and prosperity, in addition to supporting stability and development in the region.
He stressed the importance of building upon the progress made in the GCC’s work and the significant achievements accomplished over the past decades, employing this momentum for further integration to benefit the peoples of the GCC countries, their advancement, and prosperity.
He affirmed that the UAE will remain a key supporter of the integration process among the GCC member states and their peoples, based on its strong belief in the solid fraternal bonds that unite them, and the available opportunities for cooperation to achieve shared interests.
He also extended a warm welcome to the GCC leaders to the UAE, inviting them to attend the 46th GCC Summit, which will be held in the capital, Abu Dhabi.
Earlier, Sheikh Mansour arrived in Kuwait, where he was warmly received by Sheikh Meshal; Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al Hamad Al Sabah, Crown Prince of Kuwait; and Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al Ahmad Al Sabah, Prime Minister of Kuwait; Jassem Al Budaiwi, Secretary-General of the GCC, and several Sheikhs, ministers, and senior officials from Kuwait.
